Relhan Collection : 221 Horseheath church. Effigies of Sir Giles and Lady Dorothy Allington

Relhan, Richard, 1782-1844

Relhan Collection

<p style='text-align: justify;'><p>Sir Giles was the 14 year-old (approx) great-grandson and heir of Sir Giles (d. 1586 <b>218</b>). While still a minor his first marriage was arranged by Lord Burleigh, supervisor to the will, to his relative, Lady Dorothy Cecil, by whom he had 10 children. This first wife having died 1613 he became notorious when, in1630 aged 58, he married his 24 year-old half-niece, Dorothy Dalton, the noted lawyer Michael Dalton’s daughter from West Wratting. They had to appear before the Court of High Commission where the marriage was dissolved, both did penance in London at St Paul's Cross and in Great St Mary's, and Sir Giles was fined £12,000, which he raised with help from friends and which must have been serious for the estate at this stage. This second Dorothy died of smallpox in Linton in 1644. The memorial to Sir Giles and his first wife is an alabaster wall monument including a tomb chest, with 2 recumbent effigies and their 10 children. The monument, still in good condition, was painted and gilded, with 2 black columns, an arch and a cartouche with the inscription. The estate was inherited by William, the youngest son. He was given an Irish peerage and died 1648 (<b>224</b>).</p><p>Bradley and Pevsner 2014; ODNB 2004; Parsons 1948; VCH 1978</p></p>